Jennifer Logan, founder of Jenz Journeys, is redefining travel with purpose and passion. Nominated for a Bessie Award, she’s dedicated to inspiring others to live fully while honoring the places they visit.
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- 4 minute read
What if your travel blog started not on a beach or in an airport, but in a waiting room? For Jennifer Logan of Jenz Journeys, what began as a way to pass time during her daughter’s mental health appointments has evolved into a movement, a heartfelt, healing journey shared with thousands online. Today, her work inspires others to travel with intention, create joy-filled memories, and live life to the fullest, one moment at a time.
Jennifer is now a Bessie Award finalist for Collaboration of the Year, celebrating her impactful partnership with Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. Their shared mission? To craft something meaningful through connection, healing, and purpose-driven travel. But what drives the woman behind the brand? What fuels her fire, and how has personal loss transformed into professional growth? You’re about to find out.
About the Bessie Awards
The Bessie Awards celebrate the trailblazers, changemakers, and visionaries who are reshaping the travel industry for the better. Named in honor of Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusivity in travel.
About Jenz Journeys
Founded by Canadian content creator and grief advocate Jennifer Logan, Jenz Journeys is more than a travel blog—it’s a celebration of life, legacy, and the transformative power of exploration. Known for curating heart-centered travel stories and inspiring stays, Jennifer brings authenticity and emotional depth to every post. Whether she’s spotlighting unique local experiences or championing responsible tourism, her mission is clear: help people make memories that matter. Born from love, loss, and resilience, Jenz Journeys reminds us that every adventure is a chance to honor the present—and those we carry with us.
Tell us your story! How did you find your way into the travel industry?
I started my social media journey in 2018 as a hobby to pass time at my daughter Kaelyn’s mental health appointments. I called it an IntsaBlog and it was a travel blog on Instagram. As my following grew my daughter became very proud and was my biggest supporter. She used to say follow my mom on Instagram she has a travel blog. During that time I had several menial part time jobs, to allow me the flexibility to be able to show up for Kaelyn the way she needed. These jobs allowed me to take her to all of the in person appointments and ongoing supports across the Great Toronto Area at various organizations.
Kaelyn was not as proud of these part time jobs but I never shared or burdened her with the knowledge that I did them to be there for her. So, it was a good feeling to have her proud of mom. Kaelyn had an arduous mental health journey with a variety of diagnosis in a less than adequate mental health care system. When covid hit in March of 2020 all in person supports were removed, mental health in Ontario, and the world, was greatly affected.
Sadly Kaelyn passed away in August of 2020 at 20 years old. This became a crossroads in my life. I could start a career in a 9-5 environment with significantly greater pay or I could become an entrepreneur by continuing with my part times jobs and redirecting all of the time that I had dedicated to Kaelyn into building a brand and business that focussed on inspiring people to live life to it’s fullest. To create memories and cherish life.
Having undergone such a huge loss the decision was easy and I take comfort knowing that I am creating a legacy in Kaelyn’s memory and continuing to make her proud. I’ve come to learn that this is called Post Traumatic Growth.
What motivates you to do your work today?
My daughter. Every day I want to remind people that life is a beautiful gift and all we are promised is right now and to live it fully!
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
This is going to sound cliche but being nominated for this award. My daughter would be so proud.
What does it mean to you to have the community nominate you for a Bessie award?
It makes me want to cry just thinking about it. Imposter syndrome is huge in this industry, and although my reason for doing what I do is not for personal validation knowing that this incredible community of experts in the travel industry see what my passion is, well… it is overwhelming. I think deep down we all want to be told we are doing good and following our heart is right. (Family & friends that are closest to us can be harsh and make us doubt ourselves.) This nomination has further fuelled my fire. Reminding me that I am on the right course and where I need to be.
What do you think are the most important issues facing the travel industry today?
Sustainable travel and reducing our footprint at the places we visit is essential to the future of travel. It’s important to find a balance when showing the world inspirational ideas while preserving the integrity of the places we inspire people to travel to. Instagram has been a blessing and curse to businesses and destinations. It’s important to respect the people, places and businesses. This is definitely somewhere I see a lot travelers falling short on.
Who in the industry do you look to as inspiration?
That’s a great question… there are so many. I have done 10 mission trips, building projects and helping communities across the globe. I would say Kim Beard has been a huge inspiration to me for travel. (Our group leader for many of these volunteer trips.)
What’s next for you in your career?
I would love to publish a book. Something inspirational about travel or unique stays… I have figured out exactly what yet but something inspirational around travel.
What do you envision for the future of the travel industry?
I’m hopeful the future of travel will bring a normalization on the mindset that as travelers we are global citizens and not individual travelers.
Jennifer Logan’s journey is a powerful reminder that travel isn’t just about where we go—it’s about why we go. Through Jenz Journeys, she’s turned heartbreak into healing, creating a space where memories matter and purpose leads the way. Her nomination for the Bessie Award for Collaboration of the Year is more than a recognition. It’s a celebration of the resilience, authenticity, and heart she brings to the travel industry.
In a world that often rushes past the meaning behind the moments, Jennifer invites us to slow down, live fully, and remember that the most transformative journeys often begin from within.
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